Investment
Investing should be easy – just buy low and sell high – but most of us have trouble following that simple advice. There are principles and strategies that may enable you to put together an investment portfolio that reflects your risk tolerance, time horizon, and goals. Understanding these principles and strategies can help you avoid some of the pitfalls that snare some investors.
Behavioral Finance
An amusing and whimsical look at behavioral finance best practices for investors.
What Smart Investors Know
Savvy investors take the time to separate emotion from fact.
The Sequence of Returns
A look at how variable rates of return impact investors over time.
Bridging the Confidence Gap
In the world of finance, the effects of the "confidence gap" can be especially apparent.
Getting a Head Start on College Savings
A few strategies that may help you prepare for the cost of higher education.
A Taxing Story: Capital Gains and Losses
Understanding how capital gains are taxed may help you refine your investment strategies.
Mutual Funds vs. ETFs
Exchange-traded funds have some things in common with mutual funds, but there are differences, too.
All Muni Bonds Are Not Created Equal
Gaining a better understanding of municipal bonds makes more sense than ever.
How Financial Professionals Are Compensated
Read this overview to learn how financial advisors are compensated.
Estimating the Cost of College
This worksheet can help you estimate the costs of a four-year college program.
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What Is the Dividend Yield?
This calculator helps determine your pre-tax and after-tax dividend yield on a particular stock.
Impact of Taxes and Inflation
Estimate the potential impact taxes and inflation can have on the purchasing power of an investment.
What Is My Risk Tolerance?
This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.
Taxable vs. Tax-Deferred Savings
Use this calculator to compare the future value of investments with different tax consequences.
Saving for College
This calculator can help you estimate how much you should be saving for college.
How Compound Interest Works
Use this calculator to better see the potential impact of compound interest on an asset.
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The Fed and How It Got That Way
Here is a quick history of the Federal Reserve and an overview of what it does.
Bursting the Bubble
Tulips were the first, but they won’t be the last. What forms a “bubble” and what causes them to burst?
Are Alternative Investments Right for You?
With alternative investments, it’s critical to sort through the complexity.
The Rule of 72
Do you know how long it may take for your investments to double in value? The Rule of 72 is a quick way to figure it out.
The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing
It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.
The Real Cost of a Vacation Home
What if instead of buying that vacation home, you invested the money?